Reviews and Evaluations

Lessons Learned Handbook:

DOE-HDBK-7502-95

Use Internet to access publications from across the complex.

Develop the capability to access publications through phone and fax machines.

For example, Sandia National Laboratory recently established a means of sharing

and accessing documents utilizing phone and fax lines, referred to as the

"Sandia Line." It can be accessed by calling the central Sandia Line number

(505) 845-6789 and following prompts to identify general topic areas and obtain

specific documents. Documents are placed on the system by faxing them to

the Sandia Line computer. An index of all available documents can be obtained

by calling the system. Requested documents are sent directly from the Sandia

Line system to the user's fax machine with minimal delay. The Sandia Line is

accessible across the DOE complex and, although it currently contains only

documents placed on the system at Sandia, the service can be expanded to

accommodate documents from other sites. For example, lessons learned that

are placed on a Wide Area Network for DOE-wide computer-based access could

also be faxed to the Sandia Line for telephone/fax access. In addition, site-

specific publications that document lessons learned could be placed on the

system to facilitate dissemination.

See Volume II, Appendix VIII for examples of site-specific documents used to transmit

lessons learned.

Reviews and Evaluations

Numerous types of reviews are conducted across DOE (e.g., operational readiness

reviews, readiness assessments, program reviews, post-project reviews, audits,

appraisals, and self-assessments). Each review generally results in a series of review

findings that are documented in a final report. Formal responses are often prepared

to address the findings. The reviews provide an important source of feedback about

projects and operations and a valuable vehicle for transfer of lessons learned. Several

potential options for sharing lessons learned through review processes are listed

below:

Discuss lessons learned in review meetings and close-out sessions.

Require that a description of lessons learned be included in review reports.

Document and track actions that are taken to address review and audit findings.

Note successful actions and, when appropriate, communicate as Good Work

Practices.

Visual Dissemination

For employees that share office space, cafeterias, meeting rooms or other areas,

lessons learned bulletin boards can be an effective way of sharing information or

emphasizing a learning theme. Potential options include:

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